Mandu

The massive disappropriate dome and the thick pillars give an impression of a standing Elephant to the spectators. Originally built as a pleasure resort, Hathi Mahal today looks like an abandoned landmark in Madhya Pradesh where traces of decorative tile-work and the planned external architectural nuances still leave an impressive mark on the minds of the visitors. The masonry moldings, the humongous dome. The octagonal high base and the three arched-opening on all sides look as if it was planned like a Baradari. Places like this are hard to miss and this is among such places to visit in Mandu.Location: Elephant Palace, Mandav, Madhya Pradesh, IndiaTimings: 24 hours. Best to go between sunrise to sunset hours.Entry Fee: Free of cost.Suggested time required: An hour and a half.Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Around 2 KM.

Built under the reign of Mandu Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji who had a vast harem of about 15000 women. In order to accommodate the ladies in a proper building, this monumental palace was constructed. Jahaz Mahal is located in the Mandu Fort near Munj Talab along Gada Shah Mahal and Hindola Mahal.This double-storeyed palace is encircled by twin ponds that give an impression to the spectators that it is a floating structure. If you are visiting Mandu fort, this can be one of the places to visit in Madhya Pradesh that will intrigue you with its phenomenal architecture.Location: Jahaz Mahal Internal Rd, Sulibardi, Madhya Pradesh 454010Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.Entry Fee: INR 5 per Indian adult.Suggested time required: 1 to 2 hours.Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Approximately 1 KM.

This vintage place bestows you with an unparalleled view of the river Narmada. The Pavilion has a backstory of a medieval romance that started between King Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. Earlier this hilltop structure was used as an army ground to keep a watch around and guard the kingdom. The pavilion has two watchtowers and beautiful courtyards as well, making it one of Mandu tourist places which are mandatory parts of every itinerary. It is said that Rani Roopmati was an accomplished classical singer and the pavilion was made acoustically so it served her better. It is one of the most exceptional places you should visit in Madhya Pradesh.Location: Mandu, Mandav, Dhar, Madhya Pradesh 454010Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.Entry Fee: INR 5 per Indian and SAARC countries adults.Suggested time required: Over 2 hours.Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Around 5.5 KM.

Khilji Sultan Nasir-ud-Din constructed the palace between the year 1508-1509, for the last ruler of Mandu- King Baz Bahadur. The mix styled architecture that includes a glimpse of Mughal and Rajasthani aesthetics is a marvelous piece of art. The King became fond of this palace because of his eternal romance with the accomplished singer Roopmati who used to visit the nearby Rewa Kund. There are about 40 broad steps to reach the entrance of the Palace and this hilltop monument offers scenic views of the surrounding region. It is one of the Madhya Pradesh tourists places that you cannot resist clicking and posing at.Location: Mandav, Madhya Pradesh 454010Timings: Sunrise to sunset.Entry Fee: 7 AM to 7 PM on all days of the week.Suggested time required: Less than an hour.Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Approximately 5 KM.

This Mahal is a ‘T’ shaped structure which was earlier used as an audience hall or open-air theatre. The English translation of Hindola Mahal is “Swinging Palace,” and the 77 degrees angled wall which looks buttressing gives an appearance as if it is in motion. The construction of this hall dates back to the year 1425 during the rule of Hoshang Shah. The simple aesthetic appeal of this monument needs careful examination to appreciate the neatly chiseled corners and joints.  If you are scrolling through the places to see in Mandu, you must include Hindola Mahal in your bucket list for its fine masonry to get some of the best historical essences of Madhya Pradesh.Location: Sulibardi, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh 454010Timings:6 AM to 7 PM on all days of the week.Entry Fee: INR 5 per Indian adult.Suggested time required: Around an hour.Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Around a kilometer.

Bagh Caves derived its name from the seasonal stream Baghani that runs across these Buddhist sculptures. Bagh Caves have a cluster of sculptures and carvings and are one of the finest among the other Buddhist caves.  Situated in the Bagh town of the Dhar district, you can spot them on the southern slopes of the Vindhya ranges. A set of nine rock-cut monuments are said to have been established by the Buddhist monk Dataka between late 4th to 6th century AD. Adorned with ancient mural paintings, the ceilings are covered in brown thick mud plaster. It is one of the amazing and commanding sites to see in Mandu and it is one of the best places for caving experience in Madhya Pradesh.Location: Bagh Cave Road, Naingaon, Dhar, Madhya Pradesh 454221Timings: 24 hours.Entry Fee: INR 5 per Indian and SAARC countries adults.Suggested time required: At least 2 hours.Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Around 120 KM.

The tomb of Hoshang Shah is considered to be India’s first marble tomb and the construction dates back to the 15th century. This imposing tomb was a talk of the town when it was made and before the construction of Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan even sent his architect Ustad Hamid and the team to examine the intricacies and the unique architectural elements which mostly pertain to Afghan art style architecture. It is one of those places to visit in Mandu which brings proud to the state.Location: Jahaj Mahal internal road, Mandu, Mandav, Dhar, Madhya Pradesh 454010Timings: 8 AM to 5:30 PM on all days of the week.Entry Fee: INR 5 per Indian and SAARC countries adults.Suggested time required: 1 hour to one and a half hours.Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Under 500 meters.Here is a list of best tourist resorts in Madhya Pradesh that you should not miss while your visit to the state.

This colossal landmark is another wonderful witness of the prosperous history of Mandu and a great example of Afghan art. It was a place where hordes of worshippers would arrive every day in the bygone era and one can see the many chambers and domes used for various purposes. A marvelous construction by the Ghauri Dynasty, this is one of the best places to visit in Mandu owing to its plateau-top location and the famous holy reservoir- Rewa Kund.  The elaborate marble designs and carvings are another best things in this Masjid besides its capacity. Witnessing Jama Masjid is one of the best things to do in Madhya Pradesh.Location: Jahaz Mahal internal Rd, Mandu, Mandav, Madhya Pradesh 454010.Timings:7 AM to 7 PM on all days of the week.Entry Fee: Free of cost.Suggested time required: An hour.Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Under 200 meters